Used

2003 Land Rover Freelander - Review

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LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nev.— What I see as I crest a steep rise of two-track is a view to be
put in my mental 401(k) — a cloudless blue
sky day bearing rouge and tangerine fruit at sunset, sandstone knobs
outcroppings and canyons glowing with a common fecund vibe.

I think we’re alone
here, though we’re just 30 minutes outside the vast glittering emptiness of Las
Vegas. All the better. There aren’t many
others to spoil what I think is off-roading at its best. And there aren't many
to get in the way of evaluating the three-door Land Rover Freelander SE3, the
new variation of a vehicle on sale for five years in Europe but in only its
second model year in the States.

The best-selling SUV in Europe by
far, the Freelander found its way to the U.S. in 2001 as a 2002 model with a
price tag in the upper-$20,000 range. More expensive than others in its class
but with real off-road heritage and tough stuff like Hill Descent Control (HDC),
the tiniest Land Rover has been sales-challenged in the U.S. — hence the
addition of the sporty three-door model.

Dirty
minded

With its open-air body, rugged trim and upscale features, the
Freelander SE3 is a neat fit in Land Rover’s lineup. Its size (177.7 inches
length; 101 inches wheelbase) gives it nearly the same footprint as the Ford
Escape and the Mazda Tribute. Starting just under $27,000, the new model
combines full-time four-wheel-drive capability with sharp styling and a
trimmed-out interior.

The SE3's body is apt to cause flashbacks among
former Nissan Pathfinder and Isuzu Amigo owners. The newest Landie’s profile is
akin to those vehicle's two-door models. The triangulation of the rear fenders
is complemented here, though, by a detachable hardback. The lines are enhanced
by a black composite A-frame brush bar, roof rails that trail down the back of
the vehicle, and a silver underbody brush plate; plus edgy 17-inch Triple Sport
Evolution alloy wheels and high-energy colors such as Borrego Yellow and
Tangiers Orange.

Mechanically, the SE3 has the same powertrain as the
five-door: a 174-hp, 2.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine with permanent all-wheel drive
and the CommandShift five-speed automatic transmission sits under the hood. It’s
matched with four-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC), anti-lock brakes
(ABS), and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

On the
road…and off

Not surprisingly, the new SE3 handles quite like its
four-door stablemate, with responsive steering (rack-and-pinion with a 38-foot
turning circle), capable brakes (power-assisted front disc and rear drums,
designed for good hill-holding along with the parking brake) and an engine with
ample power for its size that joins the company of V-6-powered small
SUVs.

More significant, however, is the standard five-speed
automatic transmission, which employs the latest in adaptive shift patterns and
can recognize driving style and terrain conditions, then adjust gear selection
accordingly, and also can be shifted manually through all five speeds.

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